COLUMN: Take a chance on helping someone out

Tuesday

Feb 12, 2013 at 12:01 AMFeb 12, 2013 at 8:43 PM

James E. Bodenheimer

I am extremely hesitant to write this letter. Those who know me, and those who think that they know me through my missives in The Gazette , could be shocked by my words. I am a “conservative” and “right-leaning” resident of Gaston County and have no fear of speaking my mind and sharing my opinions. I get some “love” mail, I get some “please go play in the road” mail.

I had read a story in The Gazette on Sunday about two of the most reluctant “love-birds” that anyone could possibly pen. It was pure magic and a lovely story about patience and devotion. I then read a story about car break-ins and heard for the billionth time to “hide my belongings” before exiting the vehicle. Typical news fare. Good writing and editing. Good reporting.

I then glanced down to see one of the most heartbreaking photos that I have ever seen: A young woman who looks like she would like to crawl off of the face of the Earth and die. A young lady who seems to feel that by one photo and one bad action, her life is over. Her face says. “There is no redemption. There is no future. I no longer have any value or self-worth. I am branded. I will never get another meaningful job.”

If you are a supervisor, if you are an assistant manager, if you are a manager, if you are an owner, please read and heed my words. Our country is in dire straits. Our nation is going broke. People are hurting. People are becoming weak in their morals because of money. Folks are losing hope for the first time in our Pledge of Allegiance, “One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” Desperation is a cruel mistress.

I am in no way disparaging the manager of the fast-food restaurant who called police on this young lady. I did not stand in his or her shoes as to how the story unfolded. But I have been in their shoes before. I was in management for many years. I was able to hire and fire. I gave raises and made demotions. I travelled thousands of miles and went to several countries for work. I met folks who worked “on-the-line” and presidents and owners. The most important thing that I did was that I actually talked to them all. Strike that. The most important thing that I did was that I listened to them all.

John Bradford said “There but for the grace of God go I ...” I am right there with him. We all fall far short in the lessons and teachings of our maker. We have many names for our deity. There are millions of us who attend worship service every week to beg forgiveness and thank our God for our blessings. Others beg their god to bless them in divergent ways.

Please have an “open-door” policy at your work. Talk to your employees. Listen to your employees. Would it or could it be so hard to have a “rainy day fund” for employees who might need financial assistance if they are dependable, hard-working people? Is there not some type of “letter of intent to repay” through a paycheck that maybe could help someone in need? Is it not more expensive to hire and to train new personnel than it is to try to help a person in need?

When I had the position and/or the monies, I did this “out-of-pocket.” I was burned a few times. Many more times I was delighted with the results. Two-hundred and fifty dollars is a terrible waste to a life. I’ll bet that it costs that much just to turn on the lights at the courthouse.

Yes, there are people who want to cheat you or steal from you. But please give them the opportunity not to do so. My father always said that God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason. He meant that, and he lived that. He would have lent that lovely young lady the $250. If he was repaid, he would have said “thank you.” If he was not, he would have said that his reward was waiting.

What will you do? What will our society do? Our president has passed a law that makes employers need to hire temporary or part-time workers because of health benefits. Remember this when looking at your employee. They have bills the same as you. They might not have voted as you did, but they are people and have earthly needs. Give them a chance. Give them the Grace of God before you have to answer why you did not.